'If not for Hamzat, I wouldn't be governor' - Sanwo-Olu opens up

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has finally opened up on the role his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, played in his emergence as governor in 2019.

Sanwo-Olu, who spoke at an event held in Lagos, narrated how Hamzat voluntarily stepped aside for him during the heated 2018 All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship primaries that saw him replace then-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

He said that Hamzat was one of the biggest contenders for the Lagos governorship ticket at the time and had massive support across the state, but he chose to sacrifice his ambition in the interest of the party.

“If not for Hamzat, I wouldn’t be governor today,” Sanwo-Olu said emotionally.

According to him, Hamzat not only stepped aside but also mobilised his own supporters to work for his candidacy, a move that gave him victory in the primary and eventually at the general elections.

Sanwo-Olu described Hamzat as a true friend, a loyal deputy and a man of uncommon humility, noting that many politicians would not have made such a sacrifice.

“Hamzat is a dependable partner. He has been with me through thick and thin. He is loyal and very humble. What he did for me in 2018, I will never forget,” the governor added.